Chopard alpine eagle cadence 8hf

Following on from the launch of the Alpine Eagle in 2019, Chopard has released a new addition to the collection, the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF which, as its name implies, is endowed with a high-frequency movement. Since releasing its first high-frequency movement in 2012, Chopard has amassed much expertise in this field, especially with using silicon components. With the advent of this latest model, Chopard has delivered another sublime creation.

Often when I am relaxing at home, my faithful cocker spaniel, Oscar, is close to my side. On several occasions, while watching the television, happy and relaxed, Oscar springs up and commences barking, seemingly for no reason. However, some moments later my front doorbell rings and I discover yet another Amazon delivery left on my porch. The human ear cannot hear sounds above 20,000 Hz, whereas a dog can hear sounds between 40Hz and 60,000 Hz. Clearly, Oscar’s ability to hear much higher frequencies proves very useful.

In the world of mechanical watches, the word frequency is typically employed when discussing the cadence of the balance. The balance wheel, part of the escapement, oscillates to and fro. The frequency of many modern-day mechanical movements is 4Hz which means the balance makes 4 oscillations per second or 8 semi-oscillations (vibrations) per second. Sometimes, watch brands express the frequency in vibrations per hour (Vph), hence the frequency of a 4Hz movement is sometimes expressed as 28,800 Vph.

High-frequency movements – the benefits

Most watches have a frequency of between 2.5Hz and 4Hz, however, a few movements operate at a higher frequency. Often when discussions turn to high-frequency movements, most people cite superior precision as the raison d’être for their use, however, this explanation is a tad simplistic.

When a normal movement (with a regular frequency) is subject to an impact, the metronomic behaviour of the balance may be interrupted, potentially impairing precision. If the balance wheel rotates at a higher frequency, any shock that the watch is exposed to will have less effect. Moreover, when the frequency of the balance is temporarily out of specification due to an impact, it will return to its isochronous rate more readily. If the regulating organ is isochronous it will run at the same rate ie each oscillation will be the same length. Sometimes this is termed ‘rate stability’

When a high-frequency watch is worn, the influence of positional changes will be ameliorated.

So yes, a high-frequency movement will prove more precise or, as most experts prefer to say, high-frequency movements deliver superior chronometry.

High-frequency movements – the challenges

So, why don’t all watch companies fit their watches with high-frequency movements? Quite simply, there are several technical obstacles that have to be surmounted.

With a high-frequency movement, the pallet-lever makes contact with the escape wheel more often. This may lead to greater wear and the lubricants are more likely to be displaced due to the increased speed of said parts.

Another challenge facing watch brands is high-frequency movements can create more friction and often quaff high amounts of energy, culminating in the watch having a shorter power-reserve.

High-frequency movements – Chopard’s expertise

In 2012, Chopard unveiled a limited-edition model, the L.U.C 8HF. It was a delightful fusion of classic details, such as dauphine-type hands and triangular hour markers, with contemporary elements such as an asymmetrically-positioned small second display along with tasteful red accents on the dial. However, the pièce de résistance was the model’s movement, the L.U.C 01-06-L featuring cutting-edge silicon technology, sometimes referred to as ‘silicium’ in Switzerland.

Since the advent of Chopard’s first high-frequency movement, the Maison has returned to silicon technology on three further occasions, the most recent being with this new model, the Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF.

Silicon has been widely used in the semiconductor industry for some time, however, in recent years it has also been adopted by a number of watch companies. This material is produced in laboratory-type conditions eg a dust-free environment. A benefit of this approach is incredible consistency when making parts.

This glass-like material is not liable to corrosion nor is it affected by magnetism. Moreover, silicon is unaffected by changes in temperature. It can also be made into elaborate shapes that were previously impossible to realise. This has allowed watch brands to make components with optimised geometry, delivering tangible benefits.

In this instance, Chopard has used silicon for making several components that form part of the escapement. These parts include the pallet lever, escape wheel and impulse pin. The relentless motion of these parts ordinarily leads to high levels of friction, especially when the cadence of the balance is also high. With silicon components there is a welcome absence of friction, culminating in virtually no wear. Moreover, the absence of friction means there is no requirement for lubricants, obviating problems with oil consumption or the degradation of lubricants.

Lastly, silicon parts are light, hence when they are in motion, less energy is consumed. This is manifest with the Chopard 01-12-C, the self-winding movement at the heart of the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF. Despite the high-frequency of the balance, this movement has a prodigious power-reserve of 60 hours.

The Alpine Eagle – an introduction

In the second half of 2019, Chopard unveiled a new sports watch, the Alpine Eagle. At the time of its launch, the model was offered in two sizes; 36mm and 41mm. In addition, would-be wearers were indulged with a choice of several references housed in a choice of Lucent Steel A223, Lucent Steel A223 and ethical 18-carat rose gold or, the ultimate expression of Alpine Eagle ownership, an ethical 18-carat rose gold case and bracelet pairing.

Back in 2019, I visited the company’s sites at Fleurier and Geneva and viewed the production of the movement as well as the making of the case and bracelet (habillage). The reports from my visit provide a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Alpine Eagle as well as information about the curiously sounding Lucent Steel A223.

Since its successful launch, Chopard hasn’t sat on its hands. It released a chronograph model in 2020 and now it’s just launched a new version featuring the aforementioned high-frequency movement, the Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF.

The dial

At first glance, the dial looks identical to the inaugural 41mm version of the Alpine Eagle, however, a closer look reveals some subtle differences. Upholding the design language of earlier models, the brass dial features numerous gently curving lines emanating from the centre of the dial, inspired by the appearance of an eagle’s iris. However, in this instance, the dial is dressed in a sophisticated shade of ‘Vals Grey’. Apparently, Vals, located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, is known for quarrying grey quartzite, a material used for construction.

The rhodium-plated hour and minute hands, along with the hour markers, are painted with Super-LumiNova. They share the same design as previous iterations of the Alpine Eagle, save for one subtle difference. On the new Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF, the Roman numerals positioned at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock have been supplanted with simple rectangular batons. I liked the previous dial design, but somehow, this minor change makes the horological vista appear slightly cleaner. The central sweep seconds hand continues to have an ‘eagle feather counterweight’ as well as a date indication at 4:30.

This watch plays with subtle details to differentiate it from its older siblings while perpetuating the Alpine Eagle’s reputation for seemly styling. Below the brand’s nomenclature, the frequency of the balance is shown adjacent the word ‘Chronometer’, a detail I will return to later. The brand’s arrow-shaped logo is positioned at 6 o’clock, reaffirming this is a high-frequency watch from the Manufacture. This latter detail shuns any vulgar use of colour, simply residing on the dial, tasteful and unassuming.

Lastly, the ‘regular’ Alpine Eagle features a crisp minute track, comprising 60 near marks, located atop the flange encircling the dial. On the new Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF there are 180 white strokes. This latest Alpine Eagle feels special. Indeed, with just 250 pieces being made, scarcity is assured.

The case

This limited-edition model is housed in a 41mm Grade 5 titanium case. This lightweight alloy is not liable to corrosion is anti-magnetic. It’s also very strong and hypoallergenic, ideal for those individuals with sensitive skin. Grade 5 titanium is costlier than Grade 2 titanium, but it proffers superior strength and, unlike its cheaper counterpart, it can be polished to a brilliant gleam.

Whereas some steel cases are stamped, those made of Grade 5 titanium are usually made using a CNC machine (computer numerical control). This heightens production costs, hence the lightweight alloy is normally the preserve of high-end watches.

The bezel is secured with 8 screws with each of the heads neatly echoing the profile of the dial. The upper surface of the bezel is vertically brushed whereas its sloping sides are highly polished. Chopard has repeatedly juxtaposed vertical satin-brushed and polished surfaces throughout, something which is clearly evident on the caseband.

In the feature I wrote in December 2019, covering the habillage of the inaugural model, I provided a detailed insight into the making of the watch’s bracelet. Aesthetically, the bracelet of the Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF looks the same as the ‘regular’ model, with its polished central row projecting beyond the neighbouring rows. However, the bracelet on this new model is made of titanium, mitigating the overall weight of the watch, thereby, delivering impressive levels of wearer comfort.

The steel crown is of the screw-down variety, contributing to the model’s useful 100 metre water resistance. The vertical flank of the crown is adorned with a compass rose motif. Finally, to the rear of the watch, a pane of sapphire crystal, marked with the words ‘Cadence 8HF’, allows the wearer to view the movement.

The movement

In addition to my earlier discussions relating to high-frequency movements and Chopard’s use of silicon for certain parts of the escapement, there are several other aspects relating to the Chopard 01-12-C, worthy of discussion.

The silicon escape wheel is a highly unusual design in that it features numerous teeth. By adopting this design, the escape wheel rotates less when engaging with the pallet lever, thereby, reducing energy consumption. While some brands have also used silicon for hairsprings, Chopard has used an Iron-Nickel-Chromium alloy, a specification that is widely used within the watch industry with great success.

Despite the modernity of this watch, some traditional details endure. For example, the mainplate is adorned with perlage. However, the bridges shun the ubiquitous Côtes de Genève motif in favour of a contemporary colimaçon-type finish.

The watch is a certified chronometer, independently tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Institute (COSC).

Closing remarks

I fell under the spell of the inaugural Alpine Eagle back in 2019. It admirably fulfils the role of sports watch, but, with its case and bracelet made of Lucent Steel A223, it also feels luxurious, making it a worthy accompaniment to a black-tie ensemble.

The new Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF shares the same highly legible dial design as the 2019 release, albeit there are some minor differences. However, this merely serves to demonstrate that there was little wrong with the ‘regular’ model. The Vals Grey dial looks particularly beautiful and is specific to the 8HF model. Chopard has delivered both day-to-day practicality and an abundance of style.

Likewise, the case and bracelet showcase the Manufacture’s talents. Each surface, facet and flank is incredibly refined with vertically brushed and polished surfaces sitting in concert. There is a welcome absence of sharpness and, consistent with the standard Alpine Eagle, a gentle interaction with the wearer’s skin.

Beyond practical considerations of the 8HF, it looks handsome from all angles.

However, all roads lead to the movement, or, more specifically, the high frequency of the balance. There are many reasons to recommend high-frequency movements, all coalescing around the notion of chronometry. The Chopard 01-12-C has been subjected to the scrutiny of COSC and, most notably, it’s a certified chronometer.

Chopard has overcome the potential problems associated with high-frequency movements when many other firms have failed to surmount such obstacles. Indeed, similar to Oscar, Chopard is very adept at working with high frequencies and functioning at this elevated level.

Escapement is an online magazine owned and operated by Angus Davies and his wife, Heidi Davies.